5-1-18 wildfire season

Area fire officials and law enforcement are warning against any outdoor burning.   The DNR reports nearly 70 wildfires reported statewide over the weekend.  This morning firefighters were battling two marsh fires in the town of Calumet.  Fond du Lac Fire Chief Pete O’Leary  says wildfires are also started accidentally during dry conditions.  O’Leary says until the vegetation starts to green up its not a good idea to do any outdoor burning.  “People should not be having any open fires right now until things green up,”  O’Leary told WFDL news.  “We’re supposed to have some heavy winds the next couple days that’s going to make it even worse.”   The DNR issued a ‘red flag’ warning Monday for seven counties where burning with agency-issued permits is prohibited and the public is asked to be especially careful with campfires, outdoor grills, smoking and other activities that could spark a wildfire. Those counties include Jackson, Trempealeau, Juneau, Monroe, Clark, La Crosse and Adams.